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Henn's knifefish (Gymnotus henni) — Gymnotidae

Henn's knifefish

Gymnotus henni
Family: Gymnotidae

The Henn's knifefish (Gymnotus henni) is a freshwater fish of the family Gymnotidae that grows up to 31 cm.

Length
31.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Henn's knifefish is a weakly electric knifefish (Gymnotidae) from fresh water of the Pacific slope of Colombia. The species grows to about 31 cm and has an elongate, rearward-tapering, brown-banded body with a long anal fin along the belly with which it swims forwards and backwards. With a weak electric organ it explores its surroundings at night; the current cannot be felt by humans. It hunts small invertebrates and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Henn's knifefish?

The Henn's knifefish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Henn's knifefish live?

The Henn's knifefish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Henn's knifefish get?

The Henn's knifefish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.

Is the Henn's knifefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Henn's knifefish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Henns mesaal sourced
English name
Henn's knifefish sourced
Scientific name
Gymnotus henni
Family
Gymnotidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
31.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Gymnotus

More from the family Gymnotidae

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